International Business

WASHINGTON — The largest retail trade association on Wednesday said that President Obama's State of the Union address recognized the industry's role in job creation.

The National Retail Federation said that the president's "continued support of 'commonsense safeguards,'" which included support of such proposals as swipe fee limits, "will help retailers innovate and support the consumer spending that is crucial to job creation."

New York City -- Coach reported Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended Jan. 1 rose a better-than-expected 26% to $303.4 million on strong sales, compared with $240.1 million in the year-ago period.

The company credited a rebound in U.S. luxury spending, as well as soaring holiday sales in China for the strong performance.

Sales leaped 18.7% to $1.26 billion, boosted by a same-store sales increase of 12.6% in North America.

On average, Wall Street expected revenue of $1.21 billion.

Philadelphia -- A survey released Tuesday by management consultancy Hay Group, ranking the 20 best companies for in terms of leadership, said that both Walmart and McDonald’s made the sixth annual list, but incumbents Zappos and Ikea dropped out of the rankings.

By Lara Greden, [email protected]

WASHINGTON --The National Retail Federation announced that it welcomed the focus on job creation and the economy expected in President Obama’s State of the Union Address.

Cleveland -- Sherwin-Williams Co. reported Tuesday that net income for its fourth quarter increased to $72.9 million, compared with $65.3 million in the prior year.

Revenue rose to just under $1.9 billion, from $1.6 billion. Wall Street expected revenue of $1.78 billion.

The challenge of spearheading Target’s entry into Canada will be handled by Tony Fisher. He was named president of Target Canada last week in a brief press release that offered little detail on his background or qualifications to lead the company’s efforts to open between 100 and 150 stores beginning in 2013. Here’s what Target had to say about Fisher.

Oakbrook, Ill. -- McDonald’s Corp. said net income for the fourth quarter, ended Dec. 31, 2010, rose 2.1% to $1.24 billion from $1.22 billion a year earlier.

Revenue increased 4% to $6.21 billion in the fourth quarter from $5.97 billion a year earlier. Global same-store sales rose 5% in the quarter, reflecting increases of 4.4% in the United States, 3.4% in Europe and 5.5% in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa division.